The Hidden Power of Kindness | Om Yoga Magazine

Lotus of the Heart meditation

In many spiritual contexts the lotus is used as an image of the sublime. Facilitating the mind with symbolic embodiment is a useful reference point in observing your natural presence. The metaphorical heart used this meditation combines pranayama, visualization and mantra to maintain attention and keep it balanced.

Because this meditation system, described in Sutra 1:36, moves beyond the boundaries of the body, the anchoring of breath, images, and sound encourages the mind to flow willingly.

1. Begin inhaling through the brow center area. This inhalation from the Ajna chakra regulates meditative vibrations, intuition and spiritual awareness. It is very subtle yet active.
2. Exhale and feel the delicate energy of your life force. Feel it moving up through the crown of the head and down through the physical heart at the same time, radiating outward beyond the boundaries of the body.
3. Rhythmically add the mantra So-Hum. (That’s me) As the lungs fill, exhale with the sound of ‘So’ and feel a discreet energy dispersion. Followed by the sound of ‘Hum’, feel your center of consciousness expanding.

Center of consciousness

Just as the physical heart is at the center of the body, the spiritual heart is at the center of consciousness. Here the lotus of the heart has no shape, size or color comparable to anything physical, but a quality that is perceptible to the mind. Feel it moving effortlessly within this space of consciousness.

In tantric philosophy, the metaphysics of Purusha (the seer) and Prakriti (primordial matter) is evident during Lotus of the Heart meditation. Sutra 3.4 delves deeper into the process by which the seer and the seen merge. It is also Patanjali who characterizes consciousness and the subatomic field.

Consciousness and quantum theory

According to the classical Indian school of Vaisheshika logic, Purusha is consciousness. Like energy, it is unchangeable. Prakriti represents the invisible or atomic material of the universe. These principles are central to modern physics.

This cognitive pattern of frequencies can be seen as a consequence of shared vibrations or excitations within the quantum field known as entanglement.

This discovery goes beyond just thinking about ideas; it suggests a connection between how we think and what happens to us.

In the 2021 study Quantum fields and the brain, The human brain has been shown to be intertwined with abstract quantum particles and waves. A recent discovery of ‘microtubules’ in the brain’s neuronal web confirms this theory. It is worth noting how thoughts and emotions, as well as physical energy, are a source of stimulation within other quantum fields.

The neurobiology and psychology of kindness

Like the Sutras, neuroscience emphasizes the brain’s ability to adapt and change. As in the Four Positive Attitudes, neuroplasticity suggests that thoughts can shape the wiring of the brain. Promoting a kind attitude strengthens neural pathways, thereby changing the structure and function of the brain.

Positive psychologist Dr. Maike Neuhaus specializes in behavioral strategies. Similar to the “Eight Limbs of Yoga” (2:29), she applies lifestyle modifications with her self-help approach.

Neuhaus’s way of thinking and acting to stimulate meaningful goals reflects yoga precepts.

Her Mind-body therapy focuses on breathing control, exercise, sleep and nutrition to improve a positive mental state.

Neuhaus emphasizes how the brain barely distinguishes between real and vividly imagined events, so when they are accompanied by a good feeling, visualization prepares other organs for the purpose.

Positive affirmations or short sentences spoken with feeling in the present tense are guided by the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’. She says it forms a thought with the intention of materializing an idea.

Furthermore, merging thought and action creates congruence by closing the cognitive dissonance gap.

Essentially, the Sutras provide a means for the rhythm of life. The power of fKindness requires participation in the frequencies we want to broadcast. AFiltering brain and body chemistry at various intersections in the cross-currents that influence reality is a real goal in yoga.

Consciousness is the ultimate inanimate life force that has no alternative but to be aware of itself when allowed to do so. From its intangible workings, the spirit and power of kindness not only shines in the acceptance of others, but also frees the self to resonate with new-found strength, skills and abilities.